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Meet Steve Lawes
Steve Lawes is a Certified Church Consultant. He has been the lead Pastor of Keys Vineyard Church in Big Pine Key since 1992. He has a Bachelors Degree in Bible and Theology from Berean University and Masters and PhD Degrees from Atlantic Coast Theological Seminary. He lead the Cuba Missions Team for Vineyard Missions from 1995-2005 and traveled to Cuba more than twenty times helping to plant churches and build up local leaders. He served as the South Florida Area Leader for the Association of Vineyard Churches for ten years. He also founded the Jesus Moment Bible Institute and Seminary in 2014 which has a student enrollment of over 1800. He has written three devotional books, Daily Psalt Intake, Daily Sage Intake and Daily Strength Training which are now out of print but are currently available as free e-books.
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Recent Posts from Church Consultant
Understanding the Day of Atonement: A Journey Through Leviticus
Welcome to our blog! We’re thrilled to have you here, whether you’re joining us from the comfort of your home or from anywhere around the world. Today, we delve into the often-overlooked book of Leviticus, focusing on the Day of Atonement and its profound significance. This summary will help you grasp the essence of the sermon and understand how it applies to your life.
Why Leviticus Matters
What is the Book of Leviticus About?
Leviticus is often avoided due to its complex rituals and laws, but it holds foundational truths for understanding the rest of the Bible. It details how the Israelites were to live near the presence of God, which had returned to them in the Tabernacle—a mini model of the Garden of Eden.
The Presence of God
The presence of God is so pure and holy that it required specific rituals, a dedicated priesthood, and strict purity laws to ensure that the Israelites could live near it without being harmed. These elements are crucial for understanding the sacrificial system and the role of the high priest.
The Day of Atonement Explained
What is the Day of Atonement?
The Day of Atonement, described in Leviticus 16, is the most important day in the Jewish calendar. It is the one day each year when the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place to atone for the sins of the people.
The Role of the High Priest
On this day, the high priest had to follow specific rituals, including wearing simple linen garments to approach God humbly. He would first offer a bull for his own sins and then deal with two goats—one for the Lord and one for Azazel.
The Two Goats: A Deeper Look
The Sacrificial Goat
The first goat was sacrificed, and its blood was sprinkled on the mercy seat of the Ark of the Covenant. This act symbolized the purification of the Most Holy Place from the impurities of the Israelites.
The Scapegoat (Azazel)
The second goat, known as the scapegoat, was sent into the wilderness after the high priest placed the sins of the people upon it. This act symbolized the removal of sin and impurity from the community. The term “Azazel” is often debated but is understood to represent a spiritual being, possibly another name for the evil one.
Jesus and the Day of Atonement
How Does Jesus Fulfill These Rituals?
Jesus fulfills the roles of both goats. His sacrifice on the cross atones for our sins, giving us access to God. Like the scapegoat, He also takes away our sins, defeating the power of sin and death once and for all.
The Ultimate High Priest
Jesus is our ultimate high priest who offers Himself as the perfect sacrifice. Unlike the high priests of old, who had to offer sacrifices repeatedly, Jesus’ one sacrifice is sufficient for all time.
The Fulfillment of Holy Days
Jesus also fulfills the holy days outlined in Leviticus 23. His death and resurrection align perfectly with Passover, Unleavened Bread, and First Fruits. Pentecost is fulfilled with the coming of the Holy Spirit, and we await the final trumpet signaling His return.
Life Application
How Can We Apply This to Our Lives?
Understanding the Day of Atonement and its fulfillment in Jesus helps us appreciate the depth of God’s plan for our redemption. Here are some practical steps to apply this week:
- Reflect on Jesus’ Sacrifice: Take time to meditate on how Jesus’ sacrifice has atoned for your sins and given you access to God.
- Live Humbly: Just as the high priest approached God humbly, strive to live a life of humility, recognizing your dependence on God’s grace.
- Embrace Purity: Seek to live a life that honors God, knowing that Jesus has made you clean and holy.
Questions to Ponder
- How does understanding the Day of Atonement deepen your appreciation for Jesus’ sacrifice?
- In what ways can you live more humbly and dependently on God this week?
- How can you embrace the purity that Jesus has given you in your daily life?
Conclusion
Leviticus may seem daunting, but it is rich with meaning and points us directly to Jesus. By understanding the rituals, priesthood, and purity laws, we see how Jesus fulfills all these requirements, offering us a way to live in the presence of God. Take these insights to heart and let them transform your walk with Christ this week.
Thank you for joining us on this journey through Leviticus. We hope to see you next week as we continue exploring the Bible and its profound lessons for our lives. God bless!
This series may be taken as a course offered by the Online Bible Institute. For more information check out the Keys Vineyard Ministries Courses page.
Steve Lawes is a Church Consultant and also provides coaching for pastors, churches, ministries and church planters.
Understanding the Tabernacle: A Journey from Exodus to Jesus
Introduction
This sermon is part of our ongoing series, “Kingdom Foreshadowed,” which explores the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. Today, we focus on the Tabernacle, its significance, and how it points to Jesus Christ. Whether you’re new to these concepts or looking to deepen your understanding, this summary will guide you through the key points and their life applications.
What is the Tabernacle?
The Structure and Purpose
The Tabernacle was a portable place of worship for the Israelites, built about a year after they crossed the Red Sea. It served as a physical manifestation of God’s presence among His people. The Tabernacle was a tent-like structure, 15 feet by 45 feet, enclosed within a courtyard measuring 75 feet by 150 feet. This courtyard contained a bronze altar for sacrifices and a bronze basin for washing.
The Holy and Most Holy Places
Inside the Tabernacle, there were two main sections: the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place. The Holy Place contained the table of showbread, the lampstand, and the altar of incense. The Most Holy Place, separated by a curtain, housed the Ark of the Covenant, which represented God’s throne. This area was so sacred that only the high priest could enter, and only once a year.
The Significance of the Tabernacle
A Heaven and Earth Connection
The Tabernacle represented a renewed connection between heaven and earth, a glimpse of what was lost in the Garden of Eden. It was a place where God’s presence dwelled among His people, but with many barriers and rituals to signify the holiness and purity required to approach Him.
Symbolism and Foreshadowing
Every element of the Tabernacle pointed to something greater. The sacrifices, the washing, the bread, the light, and the incense all foreshadowed Jesus Christ. He is the ultimate sacrifice, the living water, the bread of life, the light of the world, and the fragrant offering.
Jesus: The True Tabernacle
Fulfillment of the Old Covenant
Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of everything the Tabernacle represented. When He died on the cross, the curtain in the temple was torn from top to bottom, signifying that the barriers between God and humanity were removed. We now have direct access to God’s presence through Jesus.
A New and Living Way
Hebrews 10:19-23 beautifully encapsulates this truth: “Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, His body…” This passage reminds us that we can draw near to God with full assurance of faith because of what Jesus has done.
Life Application
Embrace the Presence of God
Understanding the Tabernacle and its fulfillment in Jesus should deepen our appreciation for God’s presence in our lives. We no longer need to perform rituals to earn His favor; we are already accepted because of Jesus. This week, take time to reflect on the incredible access you have to God and how you can live in His presence daily.
Questions for Reflection
- How often do you take time to acknowledge and appreciate God’s presence in your life?
- In what ways can you draw nearer to God this week?
- How does understanding Jesus as the true Tabernacle change your perspective on worship and daily living?
Challenge
This week, challenge yourself to spend intentional time in God’s presence. Whether through prayer, worship, or reading the Bible, seek to deepen your relationship with Him. Remember, you have direct access to the Creator of the universe because of Jesus. Embrace this incredible gift and let it transform your life.
Conclusion
The Tabernacle was a profound symbol of God’s desire to dwell among His people, and its fulfillment in Jesus Christ offers us unparalleled access to His presence. As you reflect on these truths, may you be encouraged to draw nearer to God and live out your faith with confidence and joy.
This series may be taken as a course offered by the Online Bible Institute. For more information check out the Keys Vineyard Ministries Courses page.
Steve Lawes is a Church Consultant and also provides coaching for pastors, churches, ministries and church planters.
Understanding the Tabernacle: A Journey from Creation to Christ
Introduction
Today, we delve into the profound message shared in our recent sermon, part of the “Kingdom Foreshadowed” series. This series explores the ten plagues, the ten words, the tabernacle, and the temple. This week, we focus on the tabernacle, its significance, and how it points to Jesus. Let’s journey through the Bible to understand how God’s presence has been revealed and how it continues to impact our lives today.
The Beginning: Creation and the Cosmic Temple
What is the Cosmic Temple?
In Genesis, we learn that God created the heavens and the earth, not just as a physical realm but as a cosmic temple. This temple is a place where His divine presence can be experienced. God created humanity in His image to be priests in this garden temple, a place where heaven and earth connect, and where God and His people share a divine relationship.
The Fall and Exile
However, humanity’s rebellion disrupted this harmony. Adam and Eve chose to eat from the forbidden tree, resulting in their exile from Eden. This act severed the connection between heaven and earth, leaving no place on earth where they could meet.
The Tabernacle: A New Meeting Place
From Slavery to Worship
The story of the Israelites in Exodus is a journey from slavery to worship. After their miraculous escape from Egypt, God instructed them to build a tabernacle. This portable place of worship was where heaven and earth could meet once again. The tabernacle served as the meeting place with God from the time of their Red Sea rescue until King Solomon built the temple, a period of about 400 years.
The Glory of the Lord
In Exodus 40:34-38, we read about the glory of the Lord filling the tabernacle. The cloud of the Lord covered the tent of meeting, and Moses could not enter because of the cloud. This divine presence guided the Israelites throughout their travels, lifting when it was time to move and settling when it was time to stay.
Jesus: The Ultimate Tabernacle
The Word Became Flesh
Fast forward to the New Testament, and we see how the tabernacle points to Jesus. In John 1:1-14, we read that the Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. The term “dwelling” here is better translated as “tabernacled.” Jesus pitched His tent among us, embodying the divine presence in a new way.
Access to God’s Presence
Unlike the tabernacle in the wilderness, where only Moses could encounter God’s presence, Jesus made it possible for all of us to access God’s glory. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus bridged the gap between heaven and earth, offering us a way to experience God’s presence continually.
Life Application
Embracing Our Mission
Understanding the tabernacle and its fulfillment in Jesus challenges us to embrace our mission. We are called to partner with God in bringing His rescuing glory to every corner of creation. This mission involves loving God and loving others, shaped by the story of Jesus.
Questions for Reflection
- How can I make time to experience God’s presence in my daily life?
- In what ways can I partner with God to bring His glory to my community?
- How does understanding the tabernacle deepen my appreciation for Jesus’ sacrifice?
A Challenge for the Week
This week, commit to spending intentional time with God. Whether through prayer, reading the Bible, or yielding to the Spirit, seek to draw closer to Him. Reflect on how you can be a vessel of His presence in your interactions with others. Remember, our mission is to bring God’s rescuing glory into the world, and it starts with our relationship with Him.
Conclusion
The journey from the creation of the cosmic temple to the tabernacle and ultimately to Jesus reveals God’s desire to dwell among His people. As we understand this story, we are invited to participate in His mission, bringing His presence into our world. Let’s embrace this calling with gratitude and purpose, knowing that we are part of God’s grand rescue plan.
This series may be taken as a course offered by the Online Bible Institute. For more information check out the Keys Vineyard Ministries Courses page.
Steve Lawes is a Church Consultant and also provides coaching for pastors, churches, ministries and church planters.
Testimonials
“Steve and his team at Keys Vineyard Church have built a church that has done an inspiring job reaching their community. Steve is a treasure trove of experience and has continued to prioritize learning and growth throughout his more than 30 years of ministry in a way few pastors have. You’ll get a lot out of connecting with him!”
“I watched first hand as Steve experienced the devastation of hurricane Irma in his town of Big Pine Key, Florida. The town was destroyed, the church building rendered unusable and the staff impacted personally. I watched a leader rise to the need of his community and minister in a situation that not very many could. He has a powerful voice of experience and wisdom earned the hard way.”
“Steve Lawes is a valuable coach/ mentor. I’ve watched Steve over the last thirty years build a substantial outward focused church with disciples who do what Jesus did. He has inspired leaders of churches with simple/tested ideas to develop leaders and grow churches.
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“Steve Lawes is an outstanding coach. He is authentic, creative, and personable. He has more cutting edge ideas than any pastor I know in regard to evangelism and meeting the needs of people in his community.”
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One of the greatest questions Jesus asked was “Do You Want to Get Well?”
I t would seem that the answer was obvious. But getting well for the man who had been not well for a very long time meant that he would have to do something different. It is not easy to change, but it always starts with a first step.
Take that first step now by sceduling your no obligation, free thirty (30) minute Zoom meeting with us today. You have nothing to lose and it may be your first step to a new and healthy way of doing and being the church.
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